Rugby Swimming Club
Medal joy for Bates

RUGBY Swimming Club’s Karen Bates produced a fantastic performance at the Isle of Wight Masters to win medals in all six events she entered.

As well as the shorter disciplines, Bates entered the gruelling 800m and it proved to be one of the events in which she won gold. A time of 10.59 was a huge achievement and a pleasant surprise given she has only been training for a few weeks following injury.

Other wins in the 50m backstroke and 100m freestyle were backed up by silvers in the 100m backstroke, 200m backstroke and 100m butterfly.

THE development of the club’s youngsters continues as a number entered a 33m pool for the first time at Stratford.

Despite the new experience, Rugby finished a respectable fourth as Stratford A and Nuneaton filled the top two spots.

Head coach Hemesh Cohan said: “I can only say everybody gave it their all, there is huge talent and potential within the club.”

Rhys James led the way with two wins whilst seconds were achieved by Eve Benison, Emily Webb and Eve Street.

Third place finishes were more common and this included several of the relay teams as it appears recent work on takeovers are paying off.

All swimmers recorded PBs in the rarely used 33m pool whilst another positive was the big reduction in disqualifications, just one being recorded at the event.

Any young swimmers, aged eight to 11, who want to add to the strength of the club should contact Hemesh at hemesh.chohan@hotmail.com.